The people of Bury St Edmunds are all trying to do their bit to ensure missing Corrie McKeague turns up safe and well.
Shops, cars and grass-cutters are all draped in public awareness posters sporting Corrie’s face and locals have conducted their own searches.
Such was the public response to Corrie’s disappearance, police issued a statement pleading with well-meaning members of the public to leave the investigating to officers.
Steven Ainsworth, who works in the gardens of the town’s historic abbey grounds and who lives seconds from the RAF base where Corrie is based, said he feels “emotionally attached” to Corrie’s story.
He has taken it upon himself to issue bundles of leaflets around the town and has conducted his own search of the area.
The concerned father feels many people in Bury St Edmunds feel the same way as him.
Steven explained: “I live just a stones throw from the base.
“The atmosphere in Honington is totally raw.
“I feel emotionally attached because it is right on my door step and no one knows what has happened, or where he has gone.
“People do not just vanish — not in Bury.
“It’s chilling. The hairs on the back of my neck stand up when I think about it.
“For the sake of my kids I want to know what is happening because right now I wouldn’t want them to walk through Bury at night, not until we know what has happened here.”
Steven added: “Everyone here just wants him to be found.
“Bury is just like that.”
Former mayor of Bury St Edmunds and current councillor, Robert Everitt, said the town has very strong links with RAF Honington, the base where Corrie resides.
He said: “There is a strong relationship between RAF Honington and the town, there has been for many years.
“There is a lot to see and do in Bury St Edmunds, which is why lads from the base come into the town to use the facilities.
“We’re all very upset because Bury St Edmunds is a very safe and pleasant town.
“My wife and I are in our 60s and we feel very comfortable walking home from the cinema at 10 o’clock at night.
“I don’t understand what has happened here, but we are all hoping for a happy outcome.”
